It’s quickly becoming clear that one of the best sources of perspective on the Bucs’ roster is backup quarterback Dan Orlovsky.

He’s played on several different teams and for a variety of coaches, is the ultimate team guy and is flat-out smart.

He talked this week about a number of topics that we’ll explore in greater detail in a lengthy story later today, but it was interesting to get his opinion on star wideout Vincent Jackson.

While Orlovsky shared many impressions of Jackson as a player, it was striking to listen to the quarterback talk about Jackson’s work ethic and leadership abilities.

“I’ve had the chance to play with some Hall-of-Fame receivers,” Orlovsky said. “Andre Johnson in Houston, Reggie (Wayne) and Calvin (Johnson) in Detroit. The similarities between them are scary. There’s an unbelievable amount of humility. I say they have talent and perform like they’re elite players, but they work like they’re undrafted rookies.

“You would never know by the way that they practice that they’re the top of the top. They’re so committed to their craft. They’re so committed to getting better. It’s impressive. Take away their physical skills and what they can do and see how they work and it’s unbelievable.”

From watching practice, it’s been clear that Jackson doesn’t take plays off. He’s first in line for every drill and he goes hard no matter how many hours the team has been on the field.

Orlovsky said he’s been somewhat surprised by what he’s learned about Jackson since starting to work with him in the offseason. The reality, Orlovsky said, has been quite different than the reputation that preceded Jackson.

“I kind of heard that he came with some bad reputation or something,” Orlovsky said. “After a couple of weeks, I had to ask him, ‘Where’s that from?’ He just kind of gave me a look. I don’t see it. He’s quickly bought into what we’re doing.

“He’s quickly become a big-time leader. He’s got all the physical talents. We played in the Senior Bowl together, so I’ve known Vince for eight years now. He’s a big-time player. He’s going to have a great year. The stuff that he’s going to do for our team off the field is far greater than what he’s going to do on it.”

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